Rep. Wilson and Rep. Salazar’s Bipartisan Effort for Duty-Free Haitian Apparel Imports Included in Final Continued Resolution Set to Become Law

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar's bipartisan effort to extend the Haitian Economic Lift Program, which would allow duty-free access for Haitian apparel and textile imports, was included in the final continued resolution expected to become law. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson was the Democratic lead for the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act of 2023, and pushed the legislation alongside the Republican leads, Congresswoman Maria Salazar (FL-27) and Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-2). In the Senate, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida led the effort. This joint effort originally started in 2021 in the 117^th Congress.

"I'm thrilled to see years of advocacy for Haiti pay off with the inclusion of duty-free access for Haitian apparel in the final continuing resolution. This is a crucial step forward for Haiti, enhancing the successes of the original HELP Act. By extending these trade benefits until 2030, we are not only supporting a vital sector of Haiti's economy but also providing hope and stability to thousands of hardworking Haitians. This bipartisan effort underscores our commitment to fostering economic resilience in Haiti, reducing unemployment, and discouraging paths to violence," Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said. "I want to thank Senator Marco Rubio, Congressman Brad Wenstrup, and Congresswoman Maria Salazar for their leadership in advocating for this proposal. I am also grateful to Speaker Mike Johnson and Leader Hakeem Jeffries for including it in the continuing resolution. We cannot forget the people of Haiti. They are suffering, and today's announcement is a win for them."

"I am thrilled to see the extension of the HOPE/HELP trade program with Haiti included in the government funding bill," said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. "This bill will promote critical regional stability by ensuring the survival of the clothing and textile industry in Haiti, the backbone of their economy. This is very important for the futures of Miami, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the rest of the Caribbean."

Following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti in 2010, Congress enacted the Haitian Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act, which expanded the range of goods eligible for duty-free treatment to include over 5,000 varieties of apparel and footwear. This legislation played a significant role in revitalizing Haiti's manufacturing sector, but it is scheduled to expire in 2025.

This bipartisan bill, now largely included in the Continued Resolution, aims to continue the trade benefits for apparel produced in Haiti for an additional five years, extending the current provisions from 2025 to 2030. The eligible products represent 93 percent of Haiti's exports and provide essential employment opportunities for thousands of Haitians, many of whom might otherwise resort to joining violent gangs or attempting to migrate to the United States.

For the continued resolution bill text, click here [page 146-148; Section 303].

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